May be preceded by aura; tonic and clonic phases.Tonic phase: limbs contract or stiffen; pupils dilate and eyes roll up and to one side; glottis closes, causing noise on exhalation; may be incontinent; occurs at same time as loss of consciousness; lasts 20–40 seconds.Clonic phase: repetitive movements, increased mucus production; slowly tapers.Seizure ends with postictal period of confusion, drowsiness.

Absence seizure (petit mal)

Usually nonorganic brain damage present; must be differentiated from daydreaming.Sudden onset, with twitching or rolling of eyes; lasts a few seconds.

Myoclonic seizure

Associated with brain damage, may be precipitated by tactile or visual sensations.May be generalized or local.Brief flexor muscle spasm; may have arm extension, trunk flexion.Single group of muscles affected; involuntary muscle contractions; myoclonic jerks.

Seizure confined to one hemisphere of brain.No loss of consciousness.May be motor, sensory, or autonomic symptoms.

Complex partial seizure

Begins in focal area but spreads to both hemispheres.Impares consciousness.May be preceded by aura.

Status epilepticus

Usually refers to generalized grand mal seizures.Seizure is prolonged (or there are repeated seizures without regaining consciousness) and unresponsive to treatment.Can result in decreased oxygen supply and possible cardiac arrest.